Who is Avi Kerendian and some of his thoughts: GGHTx is on a mission in changing lives through the power of global health. “Gracias” Global Health Trips, otherwise known as GGHTx, is a global health-oriented nonprofit organization/NGO that brings together young volunteers from medical and dental backgrounds to aid in intensive, week-long medical mission trips in rural villages throughout Latin America and Uganda. Led by Co-Founders Dr. Arash Hakhamian and Avi Kerendian, register for the volunteer experience of a lifetime!
Avi Kerendian is the Co-Founder and Program Director of GGHTx. GGHTx, also known as “Gracias” Global Health Trips, is an active public health non-profit improving global health in underserved, indigenous communities in Latin America and Uganda through community-based partnerships (CBO’s) with the end goal of fostering self-sufficiency.
Avi Kerendian latest project: GGHTx will help facilitate HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and destigmatization by helping inspire leadership within local communities and schools in response to the recent rebound in HIV, especially amongst pediatrics. Mission: To provide volunteer efforts in the professional implementation of the project’s educational awareness and destigmatization HIV/AIDS model.
How about after finally arriving there you realize that the doctor has run out of the most basic medical supplies used to treat and evaluate your 2-month old baby who has been coughing in sheer pain for the last 3 days and likely has a severe case of pneumonia; something totally preventable and treatable with basic medicine, but without which can now be life-threatening. You are turned away and told to go back home. You now have no choice but to wait until next week – hoping and praying – that this time the doctor will not have run out of the medicine your child desperately needs.
Departure day is always bitter sweet for our volunteers! On your last Friday, make sure you collect all your belongings, get your letter of recommendation, and leave your anonymous feedback info. We take your feedback seriously—this helps us improve future volunteer mission trips and ensure a great experience! You are always welcome to extend your stay, otherwise we will have an organized group’s ride back to the airport on the following Sunday. Be respectful of your project’s ways of doing things. Accept that things may be done differently in this country and at this project. Understand the magic of your experience comes when you truly learn to enjoy the differences!
Previously an EMT-B before co-founding GGHTx, Avi Kerendian graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Biology and a concentration in Spanish from YU in New York. Awarded Dean’s List every semester, Avi Kerendian was also a competitive student-athlete and took part in competing on the NCAA Fencing Team (Weapon: Sabre) where he qualified for Competing in the NCAA Northeast Regional Fencing Championships. While in undergrad, Avi Kerendian was also the President of the Student Global Health Club which prompted his interest in GGHTx. Read extra information on Avi Kerendian.